Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Swimming and Diving hosts Evansville
02/06/2015 | 12:00:00 | Swimming & Diving
By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki swimming and diving team wraps up the regular season on Saturday, when it hosts the University of Evansville at the Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium. The meet is set for a 10 a.m. start time.
This marks the second time this season the two teams will meet, with the Salukis defeating the Purple Aces on Oct. 4.
After earning a first place finish at the Butler Invite, the men's team will look to replicate that performance on Saturday. Till Pallmann was a major factor in SIU's win. The junior from Zweibrucken, Germany won first place in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle, while also helping his team win the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay. His performance earned him MAC Swimmer of the Week honors.
Kegan Skelton will lead the men's diving team into action against the Purple Aces. Skelton swept the one and three-meter dive when the two teams faced each other earlier this season. Skelton is also coming off wins in the two events at the Butler Invite.
11-time MVC Diver of the Week winner Kaixuan 'Sherry' Zhang gets the chance to keep her undefeated streak going in the one and three-meter dive. Zhang has swept the two events in every meet she has competed in this season.
The freshman pair of Bryn Handley and Kelsie Walker looked strong in their last meeting against Evansville. Handley earned wins in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle, while Walker took first in the 200-yard butterfly.
Following this weekend's meet, the Salukis will begin preparing for the MVC and MAC Championships. SIU hosts the MVC Championships Feb. 18-21, while the MAC Championships takes place March 4-7 in Geneva, Ohio.
Players Mentioned
